Magneto: Not A Hero

For a lengthy amount of time, due to the various threats against mutant existence, Magneto has joined the X-Men. This four-part mini series which debuted this week sets to change that.

I'm a big fan of mutants. Many of them are extremely powerful and most of them are well-intended. There are, however, definite rotten apples in the bunch, and Magneto is the most bitter.

Humans' hatred towards mutants is the most famous central conflict within the X-Men universe. Fearing what which is more powerful than them and not taking the time to consider that mutants are also sentient, feeling creatures, homo sapiens have on many occasions attacked and killed homo superiors. 

Magneto grew up a Jew in Nazi Germany. He's known prejudice his entire life from first hand experience. Being a fully grown mutant, he once again faces bigotry. But unlike a small child, he now has the power to do something about it.

Magneto's character is compelling for various reasons. One is that his roots are based in an all too real historical event which still remains relevant both to his life and in the real world. Another, slightly superficial reason is that he's colossally powerful.  His mutation is the ability to control metal, which he can do with unmatched finesse, and sheer power when it is required. This gives him a direct counter measure to the greatest feats of modern society; he can topple buildings, crush cars, and, most importantly, dismantle entire armies.

The most excellent thing about Magneto, however, is that while a villain, his motivations are entirely understandable. He's not driven by insanity like Joker, or greed like Doctor Doom. Magneto's evil is a direct reaction to the intolerance of others. His morality is questionable, and evil is far too simple a label for him. He makes you step back and think.

All of this is why Magneto: Not A Hero is, so far, a brilliant series. Magneto is one of the best super villains ever, and in this series we see him in full control, even in a room with another top-tier mutant and two founding Avengers members.

Obviously, this series has to be very character-driven, and it does it well. In this issue, we get a brief look into the workings of Magneto's mind and emotions, and the way it's portrayed is nothing short of marvelous.

My first exposure to Magneto was from the cartoons and the X-Men movies. When I read this series, I hear Sir Ian McKellan's voice in my head, and it's awesome. If you enjoyed that portrayal of Magneto's character (and how could you not?), this series is for you. I really hope the rest of the series is as good as the first issue, and there's no indication why it shouldn't be.